The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 16-5A-6, which mandates the notification of breast density to patients following mammography screenings. It establishes specific language that must be included in the summary provided to patients based on their breast density classification as determined by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. For patients with non-dense breasts, the summary will inform them that their breast tissue is not dense and encourage discussions with their healthcare provider about breast density and cancer risks. Conversely, for patients with heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts, the summary will indicate that their breast tissue is dense and suggest that additional imaging tests may be beneficial.

Additionally, the bill requires that the report sent to the patient's healthcare provider includes specific terminology regarding the breast density category based on the radiology findings. The categories range from "almost entirely fatty" to "extremely dense," with each category providing insight into the potential implications for mammography sensitivity and cancer detection. This legislation aims to enhance patient awareness and facilitate informed discussions between patients and healthcare providers regarding breast health and cancer risks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5A-6
Committee Substitute: 16-5A-6